I'm in the market for a Octavia Estate 4x4. I was thinking of getting the 1.8T Elegence model. Having just looked at some webite I see the 1.8T engine may need regular cam belt and water pump changes. Every 4 years was what I read. Just wondered if this was the case and if there's anything else about the 1.8 20V turbo engine and/or the 4x4 model I should be aware of before parting with my cash??

Appreciate your help.

Yes, every 4 years of 60,000 miles, which ever is sooner

The UK version of the 1.8T 4X4 was only available in Elegance spec. Look for a well-cared one with a full service history and you shouldn't go far wrong. If you can get a diagnostic check done - eg using VAG-COM or dealer/commercial diagnostic equipment - that would be useful to see if any fault codes have been logged.

not much to worry about in the 4x4 system (just haldex oil changes on the service record)

main issues that occur on all the 1.8T's including but not limited to:

Coil Packs

split breather pipes

split vac lines

weak Bosch DV

Bushes if its been driven hard

if its pre 03? they have the problems with the door lock micro switches (well documented and fairly easy to fix when it goes)

really annoying rattle form the handbrake button(fix with a sticky label wrapped around it)

if you want help you may get a response from http://briskoda.net/diagnostics-vag-com/vag-com-owners-map/80992/

I've got a random question to do with 4x4 Octavias....can the headlight washer stalks be removed? If you do, is there paint underneath or will it have a hole and look rubbish?

I would have thought there will be a hole in the bumper as the tubes for the water have to feed through there somehow. You could fill the holes with filler and paint over, but to be honest it would easier to just buy a bumper without the holes in whatever colour you need.